Are the Boston Red Sox on a tight budget this offseason?
That’s the inference from a report Friday by a Boston beat reporter. Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reported that “Agents who have negotiated this winter have asked me why they are acting like a small market team …”
Cotillo’s claim comes amid reports the Red Sox are trying to close a deal with slugging outfielder Teoscar Hernández. According to one report, that negotiation is stuck on Hernández wanting a fourth year.
The Red Sox also are reportedly targeting starting pitchers this offseason, so signing Hernández would presumably be just a start.
The Red Sox had a luxury tax payroll of $222 million in 2023, 12th among MLB teams, so there’s money to spend — if the will is there. Some Red Sox fans are worried about the team’s desire to spend money.